Ali Derisavi

It Doesn't Work Here: the Evolution of the Business Leadership Concept and Its Applicability to Developing Markets Ali Derisavi

The book is about the inapplicability of most modern western business concepts in the developing markets. Business leadership, a by-product of western culture, is taken as a prime example to show how and why these concepts do not work in the developing markets. The main message of the book is that theories or laws deduced from experiences in a particular culture might not necessarily be applicable in other cultures with different experiences. Hence, theories should remain as theories and not to be turned into laws with universal applicability. At the end of the book, the author identifies "leading from the middle" as a solution to bring change and development to the developing markets. The author however, reminds those in the middle that change takes time and warns the leaders from adopting quick-fixes. Conclusion is: lead from the middle, learn, educate, give away credit and be patient. The distinguishing factor of the book is that it challenges the universal applicability of modern business concepts that are otherwise taken for granted and have taken an undisputable nature.